Hearty treats for Amanzimtoti hospital staff

A group of residents have taken it upon themselves to give back to the dedicated front line workers at Netcare Kingsway Hospital. Hearing the plight of a health care worker, who felt unappreciated and overwhelmed by the Covid-19 pandemic, was enough to prompt the initiative. The campaign, Hearts for Healthcare Workers, was started by friends, Alta Erasmus and Shanay ‘Angel’ Kapp on New Year’s eve. Since then, together with other volunteers, Bianka Opperman, Carol Lane, Angela Coetzee, Jason Danielson and Daniel Erasmus, they have packed up lunch time treats for health care workers.

“It was important for us to create a good and solid foundation first,” said Alta. “We decided that we needed to be organised and controlled during this time. We have a team of six and we are working together incredibly well.”

The team initially began packing up the parcels at Fancy Feet Dance Studio and they have relocated to Kingsway Ministries, which is conveniently located next door to the hospital. The brown paper bags are filled with a drink or two, fruit, when possible, sandwiches and any other fresh treats that are donated. A remarkable 50 bags are packed, sealed and delivered to the hospital daily, which are then rotated among the staff internally.

“We have already received so many words of appreciation. The staff’s spirits are lifted and there is a new energy at the hospital,” said Shanay. The team also calls upon residents to create sign boards with words of encouragement.
“We request the community to show their support to our front line workers. These little signs will make a great impact and will encourage our local heroes to not give up. The signs just need two pegs to make it easy for us to place them in the ground. They can be colourful drawing or just an uplifting message.”

The pair have pledged to donate goodie bags daily for the next three months or until the pandemic is over. They thank Dr Renha Howlett for her motivation, Mosaic Funeral Group, Smith Supplies, Twisted Sisters and all of the community members who have assisted with donations.
To donate to this worthy cause, use the following bank details, Capitec Bank, Hearts4Health, account number: 1748210023, branch code: 4710010. Alternately those interested in donating items can call, 072-801-0746 or 078-352-0555.

ALSO READ: Kingsway Hospital is doing a good job [LETTER]

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